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Change the Look of the Control Panel

If you have used previous Windows versions, you might be a bit confused when you open Windows XP's new Control Panel. It is now divided in several categories, which is supposed to make it easier to find your way around. But there's no need to do it Microsoft's way: Just click in the link Switch to Classic View, which is displayed on the left side of the Control Panel. You'll now have instant access to all your Control Panel icons.

To change back to the Windows XP default, click the link at the left that now says: Switch to Category View.

Another neat trick is to have the link on the Windows XP Start menu show you the individual icons of the Control Panel instead of just opening the Control Panel when clicked on. To set this:

Right-click the Start button and click Properties

Select the Customize button next to the Start menu listing

Select the Advanced tab

Under Start menu items, select the Display as menu check box under the listing Control Panel and click OK and OK